Citizenship Voting Requirement Amendment

South Dakota Ballot Measure - Amendment J

Election: Nov. 3, 2026 (General)

Outcome: Pending

Categories:

Elections

Summary


The amendment would provide that only citizens of the United States may vote in state elections and would disqualify noncitizens from voting in all elections within the state, as well as from voting on ballot measures. As of 2026, Article VII, Section 2 of the South Dakota Constitution only disqualifies individuals from voting due to mental incompetence or the conviction of a felony.

Measure Text


BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA:
Section 1. That at the next general election held in the state, the following amendment to Article VII of the Constitution of the State of South Dakota, as set forth in section 2 of this Joint Resolution, which is hereby agreed to, be submitted to the electors of the state for approval.

§ 2. Every individual who is a citizen of the United States, is eighteen years of age or older, and has met all residency and registration requirements shall be is entitled to vote in all elections and upon all questions submitted to the voters of the state. An individual may be disqualified by law for mental incompetence or the conviction of a felony. An individual who is not a citizen of the United States is disqualified from voting in any election or upon any question submitted to the voters of this state. The Legislature may by law establish reasonable requirements to ensure the integrity of the vote.

Each elector who qualifies to vote within a precinct is entitled to vote in that precinct until the elector establishes another voting residence. An elector shall may never lose his residency for voting solely by reason of the elector's absence from the state.

Resources


Official Summary

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